Digital6 Technologieshttps://www.digital6technologies.com
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:00:14 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Keep Software Costs Down with Office 365https://www.digital6technologies.com/keep-software-costs-down-with-office-365/5995
Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:00:14 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5995Digital6 Technologies understands how important it is for small businesses to keep IT costs down. In fact, forty-one percent of small businesses say that lack of budget is their biggest barrier to adopting new technology. We think #Office365, with its low monthly subscription cost, can help. One license of this powerful business productivity suite is good for use on up to FIVE devices for a single user!

Professional services company Turbine Test Service has four Office 365 subscriptions that empower them to work flexibly, which they need because two of their co-workers work remotely No matter your business or industry, Digital6 Technologies can help you get more stuff done, anywhere, anytime - and at a reasonable cost.

]]>Digital6 Technologies takes a deeper look at how Microsoft Office 365 helps small business owner Scott Naucler keeps software costs down thanks to Office 365’s low monthly subscription cost. One license of Office 365 is good for use on up to FIVE devices for a single user, which means that you can get more stuff done anywhere, anytime – and at a reasonable cost. Contact us today to find out how we can help you do the same!

]]>8 Hard Truths for SMBs not Worried About Data Recovery and Business Continuityhttps://www.digital6technologies.com/8-hard-truths-for-smbs-not-worried-about-data-recovery-and-business-continuity/5986
https://www.digital6technologies.com/8-hard-truths-for-smbs-not-worried-about-data-recovery-and-business-continuity/5986#respondTue, 13 Mar 2018 23:12:39 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5986 8 Cold Hard Truths for SMBs Not Worried About Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity The foundation of any successful business continuity solution is […]

8 Cold Hard Truths for SMBs Not Worried About Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

The foundation of any successful business continuity solution is the ability to retrieve data from any point in time from anywhere. When the topic of data recovery and business continuity comes up, you get the feeling that many decision makers at smaller businesses and organizations wish they could channel their inner six year old, simply cover their ears, and sing “La, la, la. I Can’t Hear You. I’m Not Listening.”

Everybody thinks bad things only happen to other people. Just because we hear about a fatal car accident on the morning news, doesn’t mean we fixate on that news when we ourselves get into a car and drive to work.

So no matter how many times the owner or executive of a small to midsize business (SMB) hears of other small businesses being crippled by hurricanes, tornados, fires, or flooding, they aren’t necessarily overcome with fear to the point that they feel an urgency to take action.

Sure, they may think about backup and data recovery solutions a little more that day, but not enough to initiate immediate change or reverse a lenient approach to their processes.

If you fall into this category, here are eight cold hard truths to consider

It isn’t natural disasters or catastrophic losses like fires that take down small businesses but something far more sinister – malware. Cyber attacks through malware have grown exponentially in the past four years. Malware is hitting everything from PCs to Macs to mobile devices and it’s inflicting damage.

Over half of the small businesses in the U.S. have experienced disruptions in day-to-day business operations. 81% of these incidents have led to downtime that has lasted anywhere from one to three days.

According to data compiled by the Hughes Marketing Group, 90% of companies employing less than 100 people spend fewer than eight hours a month on their business continuity plan.

80% of businesses that have experienced a major disaster are out of business within three years. Meanwhile, 40% of businesses impacted by critical IT failure cease operations within one year. 44% of businesses ravaged by a fire fail to ever reopen, and only 33% of those that do reopen survive any longer than three years.

Disaster recovery solution providers estimate that 60% to 70% of all business disruptions originate internally – most likely due to hardware or software failure or human error.

93% of businesses unable to access their data center for ten or more days filed for bankruptcy within twelve months of the incident.

In the United States alone, there are over 140,000 hard drive crashes each week.

34% of SMBs never test their backup and recovery solutions – of those who do, over 75% found holes and failures in their strategies.

It’s critical that small businesses review their backup and disaster recovery processes and take business continuity seriously. Given the vulnerabilities associated with the cloud and workforce mobility, the risk of critical data loss today is quite serious and firms must be truly prepared for the unexpected.

]]>https://www.digital6technologies.com/8-hard-truths-for-smbs-not-worried-about-data-recovery-and-business-continuity/5986/feed0Move to the Cloud with Azurehttps://www.digital6technologies.com/move-to-the-cloud-with-azure/5984
Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:01:26 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5984Digital6 Technologies is excited to bring you an insightful new customer story from Microsoft that highlights the real business advantages four companies gained in beginning their digital transformations with Microsoft Azure. You'll see how ASOS, British Airways, Rockwell Automation, and GEICO moved data to the cloud and gained powerful advantages that help them compete and succeed in a dynamic business landscape. From serving an overload of webpage requests to supporting valuable data analysis and business insights, #Azure is the cloud they count on to deliver solid business results.

How can #Azure help you meet the data challenges facing your company? Contact us to find out.

]]>In this week’s video, Digital6 Technologies looks at four companies–ASOS, British Airways, Rockwell Automation, and GEICO–to learn how the Microsoft Azure cloud helps them succeed in their respective industries. Although each of these companies has rigorous, specialized data requirements, Azure delivers the capabilities and massive scalability they need to step up their operations. Let us show you how Azure can do the same for you.

]]>The Sky’s the Limit for SMBs Taking to the Cloudhttps://www.digital6technologies.com/the-skys-the-limit-for-smbs-taking-to-the-cloud/5976
https://www.digital6technologies.com/the-skys-the-limit-for-smbs-taking-to-the-cloud/5976#respondTue, 06 Mar 2018 23:03:59 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5976 The Sky’s the Limit for SMBs Taking to the Cloud There has been a lot of hype about cloud computing transforming the way […]

There has been a lot of hype about cloud computing transforming the way small-to-medium sized businesses do business. Proponents of the cloud say that cloud computing has leveled the playing field, allowing SMBs to finally compete with bigger companies despite their limited financial resources and staffing.

Still, many are apprehensive to make the jump. They’re hesitant to give up control and they fear the cloud will expose them to greater security risks. Moving to the cloud definitely requires a leap of faith, but a recent ComScore study, completed on behalf of Microsoft, suggests that those who are froggy enough to take the leap (sorry) have no regrets once they do.

In fact, more than half of those surveyed wish they had adopted it earlier and feel that the benefits far outweigh their initial worries.

What are those benefits?

Enhanced Privacy and Security

According to the study, 94 percent of companies who’ve adopted cloud services believe they’re now more secure than they were before, thanks to the cloud’s spam management and up-to-date systems and antivirus protection.

Less Downtime and More Confidence

61% of those surveyed reported fewer instances of downtime since their move to the cloud. Even those who still experienced downtime events felt that they were shorter in duration and that full recovery could be achieved much quicker.

93% indicated that they were more confident in their ability to fully recover after an outage. Comparatively, 73% responded that they felt the integrity of their data in the cloud was stronger than previously, which is interesting since data integrity has often been the biggest worry about the cloud.

Environmental Friendliness

Any company striving to be more “green” will appreciate the environmental benefits of moving to the cloud. A recent six-month study conducted by the Berkeley Lab found that moving 86 million U.S. office workers to the cloud resulted in the use of 87% less energy, leaving enough leftover electricity annually to power a city the size of Los Angeles for twelve months.

Cost Effectiveness

Cost effectiveness and greater ROI (return on investment) are the most important factors in getting CEOs and major decision makers to support shifting to the cloud. A Rackspace commissioned study conducted by Vanson Bourne, found that 62% of respondents felt that adopting cloud computing strategies freed up money that could be reinvested in other operations like marketing, customer service, product development, and expansion into new markets.

Conclusion

While there is a competitive advantage that can be realized by moving to the cloud, those who are still apprehensive should migrate to the cloud at a pace they’re comfortable with. Once they implement cloud monitoring, and understand it a bit more, most SMBs grow more comfortable with the cloud and expand their use of it.

]]>https://www.digital6technologies.com/the-skys-the-limit-for-smbs-taking-to-the-cloud/5976/feed0Why Should You Get On The Cloud?https://www.digital6technologies.com/why-should-you-get-on-the-cloud/5956
https://www.digital6technologies.com/why-should-you-get-on-the-cloud/5956#respondTue, 27 Feb 2018 22:58:37 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5956 A recent article by The Guardian (UK) states that the cloud industry is set to see a growth of around 30% soon. But many small and […]

A recent article by The Guardian (UK) states that the cloud industry is set to see a growth of around 30% soon. But many small and medium business owners are still struggling to make sense of the cloud and how it can benefit them. If you are one of them, then here’s what’s in store for you when you migrate to the cloud:

1. Connectivity – Being on the cloud gives you unparalleled connectivity to your data—from anywhere and at any time. All you need is a device that can connect you to the web and you are set!

2. Save On Hardware Costs – Using the cloud for certain programs spares you the cost of investing in specific hardware. Even devices as simple as your smartphone or a tablet can help you access those applications so you don’t have to spend money on dedicated hardware. Studies have shown that cloud users end up enjoying as much as a 17% IT cost reduction compared to their non-cloud counterparts.

3. Cloud Enables SAAS – The cloud allows you to use software as a service. Microsoft 365 is one such example. When you use software as a service, you enjoy certain benefits such as more regular updates at a lower cost and the ability to have anyone work on the program for you by sharing the access credentials with them.

4. More Efficient Use of IT Staff – Moving to a cloud-based environment puts the burden of maintenance and downtime reduction on your service provider. That means you can use your limited IT staff more efficiently and also don’t have to worry about the costs associated with such maintenance or downtime.

5. Improved Productivity – Studies have shown that cloud users enjoy better productivity than their non-cloud counterparts. This could be because cloud service providers are better equipped to handle any IT eventualities than the average SMBs.

So, perhaps it’s time to ‘get cloudy’ and enjoy all that the cloud has to offer your SMB. And…if you need help in doing that, we are just a phone call away!

]]>https://www.digital6technologies.com/why-should-you-get-on-the-cloud/5956/feed0Hybrid IT for Your SMB: An SQL Server 2017 Solutionhttps://www.digital6technologies.com/hybrid-it-for-your-smb-an-sql-server-2017-solution/5883
https://www.digital6technologies.com/hybrid-it-for-your-smb-an-sql-server-2017-solution/5883#respondWed, 21 Feb 2018 19:05:30 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5883You are ready to take your small to mid-sized business or startup to the next level and are looking for the perfect IT system to manage […]

]]>You are ready to take your small to mid-sized business or startup to the next level and are looking for the perfect IT system to manage your databases and other information files.

Everyone around you seems to be going to the cloud but you are just not sure. You are afraid of losing control of customer data, slipping on regulatory compliance and even writing off your current systems as a financial loss.

A Hybrid Solution on SQL Server

Digital6 Technologies has the answer for you. Upgrade to a Microsoft SQL Server 2017 and you will be able to install and manage a hybrid system with just the right mix of on-premises IT and cloud based services. The bonus is that you can run your SQL Server on your favorite platform, including Microsoft Azure.

A hybrid solution gives you the best of both worlds. You are in charge, no matter how much data you decide to move to the cloud. You and your employees are the ones who secure and manage the data, the users and the access, both onsite and in the cloud.

The Digital6 team will explain how SQL 2017 makes a move to the cloud easy. Flexibility, mobility and consistency are key features of the server. And, you don’t have to worry about your legacy systems being throwaways. Digital6 will incorporate your existing on-premises technology into your new, streamlined SQL Server 2017 solution.

Benefits of a Hybrid Solution

A chat with a Digital6 specialist will quickly reveal the benefits of a hybrid solution:

Scalability

If your business is growing or there is even a temporary influx of data to be managed, the SQL Server 2017 and Azure platform can respond immediately, and you only pay for the service you use

Short recovery time

If there is an on-premises database outage for any reason, you will rebound quickly with hybrid backup and disaster recovery in a SQL Server

Consistency in file management

You maintain control of data collection, storage, access and usage

Cost effectiveness

Capital costs are predictable and manageable; operating costs in the cloud are pay-as-you-go; cloud services can be used as working space for developing and testing databases, lowering onsite hardware and labor costs

Let the Digital6 team support you in making a decision about moving to a hybrid IT system. They are pleased to work with you to review your operations, identify your particular needs and develop the best solution for your SMB. This might be the starting point to natural growth in your business. You want the best technology support available. It might just be an SQL Server 2017 on a Microsoft Azure platform.

Take the time to explore the possibilities for preparing the data management in your business to be the best possible. Contact a Digital6 Technologies rep now to start the conversation.

]]>https://www.digital6technologies.com/hybrid-it-for-your-smb-an-sql-server-2017-solution/5883/feed0Understand How Data Losses Happen – In Order to Prevent Themhttps://www.digital6technologies.com/understand-how-data-losses-happen-in-order-to-prevent-them/5936
https://www.digital6technologies.com/understand-how-data-losses-happen-in-order-to-prevent-them/5936#respondTue, 20 Feb 2018 22:58:00 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5936 Small business owners are often worried about data loss. Rightly so, because data loss has the potential to wipe out a business. We have […]

Small business owners are often worried about data loss. Rightly so, because data loss has the potential to wipe out a business. We have identified the most common forms of data loss so you can see how they fit into your business and assess the risks related to each of these pitfalls.

1. Human Error – Human error – by way of unintentional data deletion, modification, and overwrites – has become much more prevalent in recent years. Much of this is the result of carelessly managed virtualization technology. While virtualization and cloud computing have enabled improved business continuity planning for many businesses and organizations, humans must still instruct this technology how to perform. The complexity of these systems often presents a learning curve that can involve quite a bit of trial and error. For instance, a support engineer may accidentally overwrite the backup when they forget to power off the replication software prior to formatting volumes on the primary site. They will be sure to never do that ever again, but preventing it from happening in the first place would be more ideal.

2. File Corruption – Unintended changes to data can occur during writing, reading, storage, transmission and processing – making the data within the file inaccessible. Software failure is a leading cause of data loss and is typically the result of bugs in the code. Viruses and malware can also lead to individual data files being deleted and hard drive partitions being damaged or erased.

3. Hardware Failure – Storage devices may be at risk due to age, or they may fall victim to irreparable hard-disk failure. Viruses and hackers can also potentially shut down a hard drive by inserting undeletable malicious code and huge files via open, unprotected ports. If these malicious programs cannot be deleted, the entire hard drive may have to be reformatted, wiping out all the data.

4. Catastrophic Events/Theft – The threat of catastrophic events such as fire, flooding, lightning and power failure is always a concern. Such events can wipe out data in a millisecond with no warning. Theft is also a data loss risk that companies must address. While advances in technology like anytime/anywhere connectivity, portability and the communication/information sharing capabilities of social media and crowdsourcing have revolutionized business – the risk for theft is even greater due to this increased accessibility. More people are doing daily business on their laptop, iPad and mobile phones. They are also carrying around portable media like thumb drives, USB sticks and CDs. Physical theft of any of these devices can spell big trouble.

Data loss is as unique as the various sources from which it comes. The key is to identify the areas in which your business is weak and work towards a mitigation plan for each one of them. An MSP can act as a trusted partner in such cases, holding your hand through the process of safeguarding your data.

]]>This article covers the advantages provided to organizations that implement cloud services for enhanced effectiveness through technology. At the top of the list of benefits are scalability and flexibility; other benefits include pay-as-you-go pricing models, security, and the opportunity for companies to focus on their core business model rather than management of the environment. Learn why efficiency is the name of the game in the entrepreneurial world and why many high-growth businesses are utilizing cloud-based infrastructure from the start! This article was originally posted on Inc.com.

]]>SMBs Sign Up for the Security of SQL Servershttps://www.digital6technologies.com/smbs-sign-up-for-the-security-of-sql-servers/5881
https://www.digital6technologies.com/smbs-sign-up-for-the-security-of-sql-servers/5881#respondWed, 14 Feb 2018 19:04:02 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5881SMBs Sign Up for the Security of SQL Servers Join the 3000 small to mid-sized businesses across America who listed data security as a top priority […]

Join the 3000 small to mid-sized businesses across America who listed data security as a top priority for their IT services.

All too often, SMB and startup owners have dismissed the need for IT security just because they think they are too small to be a target for hackers. The stats tell a different story. 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses; it takes hackers only 4 minutes to access networks through email but more than a year for the business owner to detect and clean up.

And, it is not just from hackers that you need protection. What about a power outage, employee carelessness or device failure? Microsoft provides some scary stats. 90% of data leaks are caused by user mistakes. A laptop is stolen every 53 seconds somewhere in the country.

Any of these situations can compromise your customer data and other confidential, business critical information. They could even make you noncompliant with your industry regulations.

A State of the Art Server Solution

The team at Digital6 Technologies can walk you through a solution that allows you to retain as much onsite control over data as you want while taking advantage of all the security features found in cloud storage.

The Microsoft SQL Server 2017 leads the industry on security. Install SQL 2017 on an Azure platform and you have the most securely rated system over the last seven years. Much of its current reputation is based on the Always Encrypted technology. This feature ensures that all your data is protected both at rest and in motion.

Yes, there are other technologies that make the same claim. However, SQL Servicer 2017 is the only encryption product that can guarantee to maintain your database performance. Other systems are slowed down while encryption occurs. Not SQL 2017. It just keeps on working.

No matter how sophisticated the technology, remember that you are in charge. For example, the master key rests with you, not with the SQL Server. Monitoring capabilities are even better than before so you can identify and track threats with analytics embedded in the database.

Sign Up Now for SQL Server Protection

Digital6 specialists can work with you to review your operational needs for IT security. Then, they can recommend the best tools for you from a suite of products including the Microsoft SQL Service 2017 and the Azure cloud platform. Everything is customized so it is a perfect security solution for your SMB or startup.

A breach of your database or other business info could be happening right now. Contact a Digital6 Technologies rep now to start the conversation for deploying the best in security systems with SQL Server 2017.

]]>https://www.digital6technologies.com/smbs-sign-up-for-the-security-of-sql-servers/5881/feed0The Benefits of a Managed Service Providerhttps://www.digital6technologies.com/the-benefits-of-a-managed-service-provider/5878
https://www.digital6technologies.com/the-benefits-of-a-managed-service-provider/5878#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 22:48:01 +0000https://www.digital6technologies.com/?p=5878 Managed Service Providers – or MSPs – are often recommended as a cost effective IT solution for small businesses. For a minimal monthly fee, […]

Managed Service Providers – or MSPs – are often recommended as a cost effective IT solution for small businesses. For a minimal monthly fee, MSPs provide a reasonably priced solution to the complex technology pains of small businesses. Here’s a look at the various benefits an MSP can offer your business…

Freed-Up Resources and a Renewed Emphasis on Core Business – Both business owners and internal IT staff would much rather focus on revenue enhancing tasks like product development or the creation of cutting-edge applications/services. This is one reason routine monitoring and maintenance tasks are often neglected by an internal IT person or team, which always proves to be detrimental much later.

Often misportrayed as a “threat” to an internal IT person or staff, MSPs can instead relieve internal staff of mundane network operations maintenance, repetitious monitoring of server and storage infrastructure, and day-to-day operations and help desk duties.

A True Partner Sharing Risks And Responsibilities –The goal of an MSP is to deliver on contracted services, measure, report, analyze and optimize IT service operations, and truly become an irreplaceable catalyst for business growth. Managed Service Providers not only assume leadership roles, they enable risk reduction, enhance efficiency and change the culture by introducing internal IT operations to new technologies and processes.

Access to Expertise, Best Practices and World-Class Tools and Technologies – MSPs have experience with a variety of businesses and organizations. Managed Service Providers can keep your business relevant and on track with continually evolving technology, support, and productivity demands. Let’s face it, no small or medium sized business can afford to fall behind with technology trends in today’s business world.

The Benefit of a Full-Time Fully Staffed IT Department at a Fraction of the Cost – Most small business owners live and die by proactive management. They just haven’t had the budget, resources or access to on-demand expertise to be proactive with information technology management. A Managed Service Provider gives business owners and overwhelmed internal IT staff affordable computer and server support, remote monitoring of critical network components like servers and firewalls, data backup and disaster recovery, network security, custom software solutions, and technology evaluation and planning.

Managed Service Providers can decrease the overall IT support costs by as much as 30% to 50%. Rather than being stressed about technology, business owners can instead get back to focusing on growing their business. All while enjoying the benefits of highly-trained IT experts boosting their network’s reliability and performance.